Management of natural resources through integrated watershed management in Nana Kosi micro watershed, district Almora, India

Abstract

The watershed has been recognised as a unit for integrated resource management, where management is not merely limited to land, water and biomass; but also concerned with integration for self-reliance and holistic development of the rural population. The Uttarakhand Himalaya present an incomprehensible mixed risk prone ecosystem largely due to land degradation, hydrological discrepancies, low productivity, soil erosion and a pauperized subsistence economy. There is a need for sustainable strategy for redressal of the pressing natural and socio-economic problems. In an operational context, this would mean integrating different uses and management of resources through an inter-disciplinary approach, and towards alleviation of poverty. Keeping in this, this study has been focused on the analysis and management of natural resources through Integrated Watershed Management (IWM) in high altitude of Himalayan area of Nana Kosi river watershed. The present paper assesses the prevailing conditions in the Nana Kosi micro watershed and suggests strategies for the sustainable development.